United come into this game off an unfair 1-0 loss to Man 62 last weekend. Furthermore, Glacis United beat Man 62 3-1 in yesterday’s rounds of matches which means that though we are tied on points they are sitting snugly in 8th due to goal difference. Today’s match is a must win if we are to go 3 points ahead of Glacis again. Britannia started the league strongly but have tailed away recently. Hopefully this works in our favour today. Jaydan Catania drops from the team due to injury which means Ashley Perez takes a berth in the staring XI. Pitu also drops to the bench with Evan Green coming back into the team. A must win game as the third and last round of the league starts.

United’s players seemed hungry from off. Glacis’ performance yesterday seemed the catalyst they needed to spurn them off. Straight from kick off the Red and White looked eager to get the game going. Jared and Ashley worked the left wing well while Paco and Evan carried on where theyleft off against Man 62. Britannia, for their part looked a shadow of the team that beat us comfortably 3-1 in Round 2 and the negative spiral of results they find themselves in suggests they haven’t recovered from the loss of their Brazilian contingent on and off the pitch.

Indeed it was Jared Buhagiar that set the game alight 7 minutes in. In a charging run reminiscent of last season he tore up Britannia’s right wing. Pace and power personified, he bore down on the Blue goal as Barnfather came out to meet him. With great elegance he lofted the ball over the keeper and despite the height of the ball, watched as it bounced once over the line and hit the net. The relief was palpable as his team mates gathered around him to celebrate. A just reward for the efforts of a professional and committed player. Britannia looked shell shocked and United had the wind in their sails.

United were asserting themselves in Britannia’s half with only the occaisonal long balls that were handled brilliantly by Brad and Kaylan. The former already established as a centre half the latter another of Manolo’s experiments coming good. At the other end Robert was able to dribble a ball through to the bye line and feed Evan Green a peach of a cross. He only made light contact with the ball which made it easy for Barnfather.

Jared’s eagerness gave Britannia their only clear chance of the first half. Running back to cover a cross he thundered the ball towards our goal. It was only Chino’s fingertips that kept our goal safe and kept Jared from the embarrassment of OG of the season! At the other end Evan spurned a couple of further chances to increase our lead.

37 minutes in however and Evan finally found his range. A delightful through ball from deep by Andrew Lopez found Jared wide left. Goal scorer turned provider by squaring a pass to Evan who finally saw his effort hit the back of the net. 2-0 up and flying. Britannia seemed in disarray and with little to counter act United’s attacks.

Referee Mr Parody, who is fast becoming one of Gibraltar’s top refs, brought the half to a close with United in the ascendancy. The second half kicked off with Britannia only having 8 men on the field, a symptom of how they were playing the game. Yet Britannia were to have the rub of the green in the second 45 minutes. The 2 goal deficit seemed to have woken them up and they were pressing all over the pitch.

They started to lionise possession but any danger was quickly snuffed out by our effective back 4 and the evergreen Robba in midfield; Duane appeared to cover every blade of synthetic grass today and was ably assisted by Andrew in this endeavour. Every player in red and white ran their socks off for the cause today. Robert had a golden chance to put us 3 p but his snap shot sailed wide and far. Sean Gilbert was also guilty of complacency in front of goal as quick passing counter attack play saw United get in behind a number of times.

The ref called time after 3 minutes of added time on these most priceless of 3 points. Glacis United did what they had to do last night, Gibraltar United responded emphatically this afternoon. Onto the next round of matches were we face 2nd placed Europa FC though the Reserves are in action on Tuesday.

Steffan Cardona on for Jaydan Catania
Evan Green on for ‘Pitu’ Anes
Ashely Perez on for Andrew Lopez

League action returns on a blustery weekend that has seen the wind play a crucial role in the fixtures so far. Though it has died down today it is still a dull February day. It sees Gib Utd square up to a rejuvenated Man 62. We beat them 1-0 in the first round and come into this fixture after a 2-1 loss to Angels FC. Manolo Nuñez welcomes back Robert Montovio from suspension and Kaylan Rumbo returns to the XI. Nuñez has opted for a 5-4-1 formation which served him well in the recent victory against Glacis United as the Red and White go in search of a second win over Man 62 that will see the 6 point gap with Glacis reopen.

The game itself was an almost true reflection of the weather, dull and uninspiring. The first half was a cagey affair that saw few chances for either side with Jeremy Lopez having the best opportunity for the Red Devils while for Gib Utd it would inevitably by Robert Montovio with the clearest sniff of goal. So the half would progress until its dying minutes when Chino was called to deny Toncheff with a smart save with his legs while at the other end a tame shout for a penalty kick was waved away by referee Mr Gilbert who would have a pretty decent game. The decently sized crowd was hoping for a better match in the second half.

Nuñez was forced into a pair of changes at half time due to injury. Catania was replaced by Cardona while Evan Green replaced Pitu. This last change was to be a catalyst for action in the game as both he and Carl Thomas carried most of our offensive play in the second half. Indeed both teams came out hungrier and looking for the three points. Though Man 62 created the early pressure it was United with the first clear chance as Thomas fed Montovio a delightful through ball that only a last ditch tackle by Rovegno cleared. Minutes later Andrew Lopez sent a header over the bar, the pressure on the Man 62 goal was mounting.

Man 62 were also bringing their own danger to bear too with Navarro looking to be particularly productive down their left wing. Baena ws the next Man 62 player to try his luck as he sped past Rumbo and Power only to see his shot sail over the bar. Try as they might both teams were locked in battle with no clear winner. As energy levels dropped Ashley Perez replaced Lopez as Manolo sought some more creativity on the left side of our attack to balance the excellent play Evan and Paco were showing down our right.

Chino was the equal of several Man 62 players especially in a save down low near the post from Tocnheff. Pressure ebbed and flowed from one side of the pitch to the other and the game seemed to be destined to end in a draw. Mikey Yome, however had other ideas. Benefiting from 3 very fortunate ricochets he was able to whizz a shot past the flaying Chino. The GFA striker wheeled off in celebration as United players dropped to the floor in disbelief. A body blow so close to the final whistle.

To their credit they surged forwards until that final whistle with Brad Power testing the keeper with a a wonderful turn and hit from outside the area and Jared Buhagiar having our last chance of the game blasting a shot from distance over then bar. 3 points then for Man 62 when a share of the spoils would have been the fairest result.

Carl Ellul on for Duane Robba
Sean Gilbert on for Dexter Panzavechia
Aziz Aitlachen on for Evan Green

Following on from the league defeat to Angels on Saturday, attention now turns to the Rock Cup. Premier Division teams get a bye into the second round and we drew 2nd Division team Red Imps in the draw. We played Red Imps twice last year and beat them 3-1 in the first game and drew 0-0 in the second. A result that almost put a blow into our title aspirations. Though there are only 4 survivors from those games in tonight’s game, Manolo Nunez is taking no chances on a banana skin and fields a full strength side. Ashley Perez earns a start after his impact from the bench against Angels and Andrew makes a return to the side after missing out due to injury. A shift to a 4-2-3-1 formation indicates a more attacking mentality but no one is thinking that the tie is going to be a walkover with Red Imps trying their best to cause a cup upset.

This was a real cup tie and let no one tell you otherwise. 21 local Gibraltarian players on the field. A decent referee that let play flow, talked to players and explained his decisions and a 2nd Division team ready to take the Premier team to the wire. Red Imps showed their hunger from the start playing a pressing game and moving former Gib Utd player Evan Coleing very effectively between the lines. United were content to keep the ball and build up play patiently making the Red Imps youngsters chase the ball.

United’s first chance came at the boots of Panzavechia. Dexter found himself creeping in beind the red and black defence. He found himself with the whole of the goal to aim at but inexplicably took another touch, perhaps he felt the presence of Kenneth Chipolina behind him. As defender and winger clashed Dexter fell to the ground inside the area. Mr Reoch waved away United’s frantic penalty appeals. The question lingered, why didn’t Dexter pull the trigger?

Red Imps had their chances too with (another) former Gib Utd player Aden Casey driving a shot well wide and Dominican striker Cesar also shooting wide. Pitu was turning back the clock in midfield and mastered and dominated the area becoming the creative hub of all United’s play going forward. He fed Evan Green the best chance of the first half but he dragged his shot wide of the post when a goal looked certain. Pitu also closed the first half with an immaculately delivered free kick that hit the stanchion of the goal. As Mr Reoch blew his whistle to end the half United knew they were in a real game.

Carl Ellul came on during the break, a key sub by Manolo as things would turn out. ‘Huveo’ had been lacking minutes lately but this game shows how patience and hard work pays off. He joined Evan Green up front and we looked the more aggressive in going forward. It was Evan again who had the first chance of the second half but once again had left his shooting boots at home. Tensions were on the rise and the Red Imps, supported by a large Lincoln contingent, sensed an upset in the wind. United’s spurned chances made one think of the old football adage of taking one’s chances or suffer the consequences.

Carl however put those fears to bed around the hour mark with a well placed finish from the edge of the Red Imps area that left Hankins with no chance of saving it. A sublime Ashley Perez was involved in the build up but it was the former St Joseph’s man that took the glory by giving us the lead.

Indeed Ashley was close to an assist, only for Evan to blast wide again. The goal, however, seemed to vitalise the Red Imps that to their manager’s credit surged forward and got a just reward in the 82nd minute when Cesar headed in a very well taken equaliser after a cross had come in following Sean Gilbert’s trip in trying to contain a Red Imps attack. Nerves and tension once seeped through the ranks.

However, cometh the hour cometh that man once again. With the 4th referee indicating 4 minutes of injury time the penalty shootout loomed large. Huevo had other thoughts. With the minutes ticking away he was able to find space, turn and shoot. A wicked deflection made the ball slice away from the goalkeeper and hit the back of the net. The wild celebrations from the United players was testament to the tension the match had been played in and also an indication of the effort the Red Imps players had put into the match, indeed they looked devastated at full time. United through to the Quarter Finals by the skin of our teeth!

Ashley Perez on for Jared Buhagiar
Lython Marquez on for David Gallardo
Steven Gilbert on for Dexter Panzavechia

The second massive game to be played in the space of a week sees Gibraltar United face off against basement club Angels F.C. A club that has recently reinforced itself tremendously amid rumours of a take over and fresh investment. United for their part come off a morale boosting win over Glacis United last week. Captain Andrew Lopez is missing after picking up an injury in training meaning that deadline day signing Dexter Panzavechia makes his debut. Montovio takes over the Captain’s armband for the day. Elsewhere its as we were except for the recall of David Gallardo who replaces the suspended Kaylan Rumbo. Lython Marquez, a recent signing from Lions FC earns a spot on the bench as Manolo Nuñez seeks the 3 points that will open a 9 point advantage over Glacis and would take us over Man 62 in the table.

The first 30 minutes of this game was somewhat of a horror show for Gibraltar United. Everything that went wrong did with misplaced passes, complacency and a system that was not doing us any favours. That said Angels came out the more motivated and hungry team and straight from the kick off they were faster, stronger and sharper than the United players. They looked shell shocked as the basement club took the game to us. Their right wing in particular carried a lot of danger and they took a well deserved lead on the half hour mark. This spurred Nuñez into action who made a rare first half sub by bringing on Ashley Perez and reverting to 4 at the back. The tactical change did the team the world of good as Pitu was able to get more on the ball and bring in Dexter and Evan more into play. Try as we could in the closing minutes of the half we couldn’t break Angels down.

Lython Marquez made his debut as a half time substitute and though the game degenerated into a pitch battle there was little goal mouth action other than long range ineffective shots and headers by both sides. United were fighting to get into the match but a resolute Angels team and a rather obstinate and poor referee impeded them. Angels forward Boris Sanchez netted his second after a mix up between Chino and Thomas. Though heads bowed the team surged forward and both Marquez and Montovio had good chances to reduce the defecit. It was Evan Green however who scored his first goal for the club by turning in a Montovio overhead kick that had gone wide. Time however was against us and despite finishing with a flurry it was too little to late and we went down 2-1. Attention now turns to Round 2 of the Rock Cup on Wednesday versus Division 2 Red Imps. The reserves however play on Monday and they are in a rich vein of form.

Gibraltar United had a revolving door policy during the winter transfer window with a large number of players leaving and coming into the club. 1st January saw a long list of releases. Lee Buhagiar had been forced to quit due to a fairly serious injury. Aaron Collado was also released, a big blow for the club seeing the solid partnership that won us the title last year leave our defensive lines. Justin Collado was also released leaving his right wing berth for others to fight for. Striker Lee Muscat also left the club without making a single appearance in the Premier Division, subsequently signing for Olympique 13 in Div 2. Matthew Massetti, another member of last year’s title winning squad also asked for a release, he has begun a 3 month secondment abroad due to work commitments and we wish him well. William Gracia was also released by the club. Midfield maestro Mark Casciaro also decided to call it a day and was released on amicable terms. Shane Crisp hung up his boots and joined the committee to continue serving his club!

Abderrakman Bakkari joined St Joseph’s FC and left the club after signing in August. Another summer signing to leave was Sean Mascarenhas. He had found playing difficult to come by and has signed for Mons Calpe SC in Division 2. Kenneth Chipolina’s loan was terminated and he was returned to his parent club Lincoln FC, he has since signed for Red Imps in the Second Division.

But perhaps the most stunning piece of transfer news surrounded goalkeeper Liam Neale. A summer recruit from Glacis United, Liam was frustrated due to the lack of match time. A protracted negotiation followed with Lions FC which resulted in Liam leaving the club to join the Oranges.

Into the club came Ashley Perez from St Joseph’s and Carl Elull and Stefan Cumbo from Mons Calpe, the latter both ex Gib Utd players. Stefan being an integral part of least season’s Championship side. Aziz Aitlachen also rejoined the club signing on a 6 month deal.

A glut of players were also signed to flesh out our squad. Former Glacis Utd man Thomas Laguea joined youngster Jonny Vella and former Lincoln youth player Jamie Elull in signing for the club. David Gallardo had already rejoined the club as a Free Agent mid-way during October, establishing himself as Brad’s defensive partner.

Former Man 62 defender Derek Asquez was acquired from Mons Calpe SC while long serving former Lincoln defender Neal Medina also signed for the club mid way through January. Dexter Panzavechia joined the club from Glacis United on deadline day.

Striker Lython Marquez and defender Jaydan Catania arrived from Lions FC as part of the Liam Neale deal while Evan Green joined on loan until the end of the season. Young keeper Ayden Viñales also joined the club from Lions FC. All in all a very profitable transfer window for the club reinforcing in key areas that were in need of fresh new blood.